Optimization of thermoelectric systems for maximum power generation based on heat-source and heat-sink conditions

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are a promising solution for waste-heat-recovery system as they can generate power when there is a temperature difference, i.e., temperature difference between the waste heat, Tsource, and heat sink, Tsink. While there are many studies on TEGs for waste-heat recovery, most works optimize their performance based on the hot- and cold-side temperatures, Thot and Tcold, respectively, of the TEGs which are different than those of the available waste-heat and coolant temperatures, i.e., Tsource and Tsink. This work proposes a model for estimating the maximum power output of TEGs based on heat-source and heat-sink conditions without taking extra steps to extract Thot and Tcold out of the conditions. From given heat-source and heat-sink conditions, i.e., temperature and flow rate, the model can determine the optimal TEG and heat exchanger geometry for maximum power generation. This model is valid for cases where the heat transfer rate of the heat sink is much greater than that of the heat source. Finally, a TEG system is optimized for marine engine waste-heat recovery, generating about 157% more power than an unoptimized system. This newly proposed model offers a simple and quick estimation of the maximum power generation of a TEG system for waste-heat recovery.